Daisy Digest: November 2018

I just did this, right? I know they put some kind of fancy photo-taking pseudo-scientist robot on Mars, but I think they also must have done something to the space-time continuum. November cannot be over already! Alas, my paper calendars (yes, plural) tell me ’tis true. November, like the Autumn that has morphed too quickly into Winter, I barely knew ye (and apparently, I barely knew old English because the first time I typed that, I wrote yee).

AND on top of everything else, I’m writing this post in the evening on November 30, when I meant to write it earlier today (or actually earlier this week then tidy today and post). *le sigh*

Anyway, let’s pause — seriously, is there a pause button for days/weeks/months? Can someone invent that, please? — and take a look back at the month just passed as it comes to an end.

Blooms (highlights)

Choir continues to be fun and challenging, and also a place where I found people like me (we’ll ignore the fact that one of those people called himself anal-retentive and thinks I’m a kindred spirit… just because I’m precise and pleasantly persistent … sheesh).

I’m FINISHED ALL SHOPPING RELATED TO CHRISTMAS and will wrap presents and work on cards this weekend (reminder: if you want to exchange cards, send your address to me at hello at daisysmileyface dot com).

I’m apparently wacky, or at least these twoposts are (so say readers). I’m more than OK with that.

Wilts (challenges)

Dealing with an unexpected death (me adjacent) and the aftermath, which included necessary boundary pushback at higher levels than normal (and extra nicely due to the situation).

Reaching my breaking point in a situation, which made me ill, then taking my power back by standing firm, but respectful (and yes, I’m exhausted).

Gratitude bounty

The lime green folder the choir director put my Christmas sheet music in before finally giving it to me (after I emailed him about it… two times… pleasantly persistent)

singing!

Clothes that layer easily since we had a long stretch of freezing in the a.m., hot in the p.m. before Winter shoved its way in with six inches of snow, midday! NO to the midday storms! We’re Americans! We don’t close and wait for it to arrive! We send everybody to work and school and then complain when they all get stuck on the roads at the same time trying to get home when everything closes early (I didn’t — I left work before it got bad and didn’t go back).

I GOT MY HOUR BACK! Take that, Daylight Saving Time!

glorious sleep

Freesia-smelling shampoo

A particularly hilarious telling of a story involving a woman my age trying to convince her daughter that Kermit the Frog was indeed a reporter on Sesame Street and having to prove it to her by showing her a picture… and the fact that we have been saying Hi Ho, it’s Kermit THEEEE Frog here at work for weeks now… … …

Daisy Delights

Visual: I enjoyed a lovely although cloudy sunset on Thursday, November 29. That day happened to be the 19th anniversary of the day my father died (speaking of time flying…). I took this picture at the exact moment. Not my best A work, but C work (and that was good enough for him).

Auditory: all my choir music. Here’s another choir singing a song we’re singing. ‘Tis a poem called Barter by Sara Teasdale set to music.

*le sigh* again. This song is so beautiful, I think. In fact, it’s so beautiful, and what is says is so lovely, that once I knew the words and the melody, then the harmony, which as an alto I frequently sing, it started happening. First, the beauty of the notes coming together in a human chord turned on the water works. Then, I actually listened to the words I was singing. Cue the not being able to sing them at all. For weeks now, I’ve played the YouTube video above on a loop trying to desensitize myself so I’m not the fool in the Christmas scarf crying on the stage during our upcoming concert.

The trials of being an empath.

Empath (n.), a person with the paranormal ability to apprehend the mental or emotional state of another individual.

I can easily be overtaken by the energy of another often before they know what they’re feeling and/or in advance of their arrival in my immediate space. Imagine a person, scurrying around like a squirrel because they think faster means more gets done (Ben Franklin and his haste makes waste disagrees!). If I’m not careful, I could easily start doing the same. If a person starts crying on TV, so do I. When I see a beautiful (insert object/sight here), I’m often moved to tears. And when I hear music, same. Most upbeat tunes aren’t going to make me cry, but all bets are off when it’s a beautiful melody, some dissonant chords, or, for the love of all things good, a cello. And even though I’ve seen the musical Rent on stage five times, there is no stopping the full on ugly cry during the reprise of I’ll Cover You in Act II.

At our upcoming choir concert, I’ll have a teeny pack of tissues in my sweater pocket, just in case, as I’ve often said, like Kiki Dee, I’ve got the music in me, and now it’s coming out my eyeballs.

December — supposedly the most! wonderful. tiiiiiiiiiiime. of the year. We’ll see, eh? Mine will features concerts — WITH ME IN THEM… WHAT?! — family gatherings, treats, presents, and days off (one of my all-time favorite presents). Here’s hoping it’s a magical, wonder-filled, and (mostly) tear-free time.

Daisy Digest is part of my Frequently Infrequent series. It posts on the last day of each month and recaps the highs and lows, the things I’m grateful for, the things I’m enjoying (recommending!), and other randomy goodness (including possibly a lil’ story), pictures, videos, and more. Read more about my Frequently Infrequent series here.

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2 thoughts on “Daisy Digest: November 2018”

I’ve spent more time this year “taking my power back by standing firm, but respectful” than I have in a long time. I’m with you on how difficult it can be, but how necessary it is to remain centered in yourself and not let other people take advantage of you. Also, I like the idea of freesia-scented shampoo. Most pleasant.

‘Tis most pleasant a scent and, though it doesn’t linger on me, the bathroom smells delicious for some time after my shower.

I believe the climate, changed temporarily by the president, makes people without boundaries/respect/etc. feel bolder and that’s why people like us have had to stand firmer than we have in years. Either that, or some weird astrology thing with a moon or planet in some weird places that makes rude people more prominent. 🙂 Good for you for standing firm! We can be exhausted together.